Report on Elevated Ozone Levels and Heat Wave in Connecticut: June 2025

Executive Summary

This report details an environmental and public health advisory issued by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) concerning a significant heat wave and subsequent elevated ground-level ozone concentrations forecasted for June 22-25, 2025. The event, with heat indices expected to exceed 100°F, will likely cause air quality to reach levels considered “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” (USG). This situation directly impacts the state’s progress toward several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The report outlines the meteorological conditions, health implications, and recommended actions for stakeholders to mitigate impacts and contribute to long-term sustainability objectives.

Environmental Conditions and Forecast

Meteorological Summary

A persistent high-pressure ridge is forecasted to cause an intense and prolonged heat wave across Connecticut. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s. Key contributing factors to the poor air quality include:

• Minimal cloud coverage and high solar radiation.
• Light southerly/southwesterly winds, which transport pollutants.
• Stagnant air conditions, which allow for the accumulation of ground-level ozone.

Air Quality Forecast: June 22-23, 2025

Elevated ozone levels are predicted for the southern portion of Connecticut. Concentrations are expected to approach or exceed the USG threshold, particularly during peak hours of 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EDT. This forecast highlights Connecticut’s ongoing challenge in meeting federal health-based air quality standards, having exceeded the ozone standard on 23 days in the previous year.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The forecasted air quality poses a direct threat to public health. Exposure to USG-level ozone can cause respiratory symptoms, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. This directly contravenes the objectives of SDG 3.

• Vulnerable Populations: Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or cardiovascular disease are at heightened risk.
• Economic Impact: Air pollution is a significant driver of healthcare costs. In 2023, Connecticut incurred nearly $120 million in acute care charges for asthma-related diagnoses, underscoring the economic burden of poor environmental health.

SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) & SDG 13 (Climate Action)

This weather event underscores the interconnected challenges of urban air quality, sustainable transportation, and climate change. Connecticut’s air quality issues are linked to emissions from transportation and other urban activities. State initiatives to promote electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions are critical actions toward achieving SDG 11 and SDG 13 by creating more resilient and sustainable communities and taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) & SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

Public recommendations for mitigating air pollution align with the principles of sustainable energy use and consumption. By encouraging the use of energy-efficient products, battery-powered equipment, and shifting energy demand, the state promotes patterns of responsible consumption and a transition toward cleaner energy systems.

Recommended Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies

Public Actions for Sustainable Impact

DEEP recommends several actions that align with long-term sustainability goals and provide immediate relief during poor air quality events.

• Promote Sustainable Transportation (SDG 11): Reduce vehicle use by carpooling, using public transit, or teleworking. Transition to electric vehicles to lower transport-related emissions.
• Adopt Clean Technologies (SDG 7, SDG 12): Utilize battery-powered lawn and garden equipment instead of gasoline-powered alternatives.
• Enhance Energy Efficiency (SDG 7): Purchase ENERGY STAR® certified appliances and lighting. Use programmable thermostats and operate major appliances during off-peak hours to reduce strain on the energy grid and lower associated emissions.
• Foster Community Awareness (SDG 3, SDG 11): Participate in air quality awareness programs, such as the EPA’s School Flag Program, to educate communities on daily environmental health risks.

Immediate Health and Safety Measures

On days with forecasted unhealthy air quality, the following specific actions are advised:

1. Refuel vehicles after dusk to reduce daytime ozone formation and avoid overfilling.
2. Eliminate unnecessary vehicle idling and maintain proper tire pressure for fuel efficiency.
3. Postpone the use of gasoline-powered lawn maintenance equipment.
4. Limit prolonged outdoor exertion, especially during peak afternoon hours.
5. Refrain from recreational wood burning.

State Monitoring and Information Dissemination

Ozone Monitoring Program

DEEP actively monitors and forecasts air quality for ozone from May 1st to September 30th annually. This data is crucial for public health advisories and for tracking progress against federal standards and sustainability targets.

Public Resources

Real-time air quality data and forecasts are available to the public through multiple channels to ensure widespread awareness and facilitate protective actions.

• Websites: DEEP’s AQI webpage and the EPA’s AIRNow website.
• Alerts: The Enviroflash system provides direct air quality alerts.
• Mobile Applications: The EPA’s AIRNow app.
• Social Media: Updates are provided on the @CTAirQuality Twitter account.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
    
    Explanation: The article directly links elevated ozone levels to health risks, stating that unhealthy air quality can cause respiratory symptoms, especially for sensitive groups like children and people with asthma. It notes that “Air pollution is linked to respiratory conditions such as asthma” and mentions the significant healthcare costs associated with these conditions.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
    
    Explanation: The article recommends specific actions to “Reduce or Shift Energy Demand,” such as purchasing “energy efficient products like ENERGY STAR® LED lights and ENERGY STAR® air conditioning” and using energy-intensive appliances during off-peak hours. These recommendations are aimed at improving energy efficiency at the consumer level.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
    
    Explanation: The entire press release focuses on the issue of poor air quality within a specific region (Connecticut). It discusses the sources of pollution, such as cars and trucks, and proposes solutions like using public transit and electric vehicles to mitigate the adverse environmental impact on the community.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
    
    Explanation: The article is a public service announcement aimed at raising awareness about a heatwave and its impact on air quality. It provides early warnings by forecasting “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG)” levels and educates the public on mitigation measures. It also promotes awareness tools like the Air Quality Index (AQI), Enviroflash alerts, and the EPA’s School Flag Program.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 3.9 and 11.6

  • Air Quality Index (AQI): The article frequently refers to the AQI and forecasts specific levels, such as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG).” The AQI is a direct indicator used to measure the concentration of ground-level ozone and other pollutants.
  • Number of days exceeding health standards: The text explicitly states, “In 2024, air quality in Connecticut exceeded the federal health-based standards for ozone (smog) on 23 days.” This is a quantifiable indicator of air pollution levels.
  • Health care costs related to air pollution: The article mentions that “in 2023, Connecticut incurred nearly $120 million in acute care charges due to asthma as a primary diagnosis.” This financial data serves as an indicator of the health impact of poor air quality.

• For Target 7.3

  • Adoption of energy-efficient products: While not providing specific numbers, the article implies that progress can be measured by the adoption of ENERGY STAR® products and battery-powered lawn equipment, as well as behavioral changes in energy consumption.

• For Target 13.3

  • Public engagement with awareness tools: The article promotes several tools for public awareness. Implied indicators of progress would be the number of people signed up for Enviroflash alerts, the number of schools participating in the School Flag Program, and traffic to the DEEP’s AQI webpage.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: portal.ct.gov